…That family counts for everything?
This past weekend the prodigal son returned home.
It’s interesting for me… I have spent so many years of my life running away from family. Not because they aren’t good people, because they most definitely are… and life has softened the hardest parts of the past for me. Actually it is because I am, by most definitions, a loner. I like my independence and there is a streak of selfishness (although not in the evil sense) that runs through me. I am in every sense of the word an addict. It seems that finding that ability to do the things one wants… wherever, whenever, and however one wants to do them… can be addictive.
But the past weekend needed to be different. Dad was turning 80… a milestone not reached by us all. This is a guy that I didn’t always get along with. There were years that I didn’t believe in him any more than he in me. But that was a long time ago… and the many years since have been a veritable classroom of lessons and growth for both of us. And we all know it takes two to tango…
My parents live on Long Island in New York. This is not my favorite place in the world. Granted… their home is gorgeous and the area is peaceful and painfully quiet. It is a beautiful getaway filled with fall colors and quaint townspeople.
Not exactly my cup of tea.
If they lived in the city… or Brooklyn I might be more inclined to visit a bit more. There would be more for me to do inbetween meals and conversations. I would be out in the evenings to do a bit of my own thing while they pack it in. On Long Island it is not quite that easy. It is desolate and backward and very, very dark….
This weekend, however, was not about me. It was about him and them and I wanted nothing more than to be there to celebrate the birthday and appreciate the man. Which is exactly what happened from the moment I arrived until the moment I left.
I suppose the surprise for me, however, was in just how much I enjoyed the whole weekend. The travel, the change, the chance to catch up and most of all the opportunity to spend time with some people I love and just don’t spend enough time around. I suppose the most important thing I could do is try and do this sort of a weekend a little more than once a year. Life is short. Time is very sacred… my father is 80.
I am grateful for the family and for the time that was spent this past weekend. It was a rewarding trip that I secretly wanted very much… very selfishly for myself. I am honored to have the family I have. I embrace my history… every bit of it has contributed to the person I am today and selfish or not, I am proud of that guy.
Seen your family lately? Perhaps it is time.
Be Happy. Be Well. Be.